There are dozens of consequences and repercussions associated with having a criminal charge on your record. Chief among these consequences is the impact it will have on your career and future employment. Understanding this will impact how you approach your criminal case.
Immediate Effects of Criminal Charges on Your Current Employment
When you’re charged with a crime, the first concern for most people is how it will impact their current job. In some cases, you may face immediate consequences even before a conviction occurs.
If you work in a highly regulated industry, such as finance, education, healthcare, or government, criminal charges can lead to job suspension or even termination. Many employers in these industries require their employees to maintain a clean criminal record due to the sensitive nature of their work. (Even an arrest or charge, without a conviction, could be seen as a liability, and employers may decide to take immediate action to protect their reputation and business interests.)
Additionally, company policies often dictate that employees must inform their employer if they are charged with a crime. Failing to disclose criminal charges could result in termination for breach of company policy, even if the offense is unrelated to your work.
“If you’re facing criminal charges, it’s extremely important to hire a lawyer ASAP,” attorney Brian Walker says. “Your odds of getting the charges dismissed or reduced – which could save your job – are exponentially better if you have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side, as opposed to trying to defend yourself.”
It’s tempting to let this process play out on its own and avoid complicating matters, but hiring a lawyer is the smartest thing you can do for your career moving forward.
Long-Term Career Challenges After a Conviction
While facing criminal charges can cause immediate disruptions in your current job, the long-term challenges are often even more severe, especially if you are convicted.
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Limited Job Opportunities
Many employers conduct background checks as part of the hiring process, and a criminal record – whether for a misdemeanor or felony – can raise red flags. So even if you don’t have issues with your current employer, it’s possible that you’ll find it difficult to get a new job after this one.
Certain industries, such as law enforcement, childcare, and financial services, may disqualify applicants with criminal records altogether. Even in industries where criminal records are more commonly accepted, you may find yourself competing with candidates who don’t have a record, putting you at a disadvantage.
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Impact on Professional Licenses
If you hold a professional license – whether as a nurse, lawyer, accountant, or in any other licensed profession – a criminal conviction can lead to serious repercussions. Licensing boards often have strict guidelines about criminal convictions, and some may suspend or revoke your license entirely, depending on the severity of the charge.
Even if your license isn’t immediately revoked, you may face disciplinary actions or be required to go through additional hearings or processes to prove your ability to continue practicing in your profession.
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Fewer Promotion Opportunities
Even if you manage to hold on to your job after a criminal charge or conviction, the impact on your career progression can be significant. Employers may view you as a liability or question your judgment and character, making them hesitant to offer promotions or leadership roles.
Many companies take criminal history into account when considering employees for positions of greater responsibility, especially those that involve handling sensitive information, managing teams, or representing the company publicly. A conviction on your record can severely limit your chances of climbing the corporate ladder, even if you’re otherwise qualified.
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Challenges in Changing Careers
If you’re considering changing careers or entering a new industry, a criminal conviction can make that transition much more challenging. Some industries are more lenient than others when it comes to criminal records, but career changes often involve intense scrutiny of your background and work history.
For example, if you’re trying to enter an industry that requires a clean criminal record – such as real estate, healthcare, or finance – your options may be limited. You might find yourself needing to take a step back or reconsider your goals, which can be frustrating and disheartening.
Impact on Future Job Searches
Even after serving your sentence, fulfilling legal obligations, or paying fines, a criminal record can follow you for years, making future job searches more difficult.
In many cases, you’ll be required to disclose your criminal record on job applications, and this disclosure can deter potential employers from offering you a position. While some states and cities have adopted “ban the box” laws, which prevent employers from asking about criminal records early in the hiring process, you may still be required to disclose this information at later stages, such as during background checks.
How you present your criminal history during a job search can make a significant difference in how potential employers perceive you. Be prepared to address your criminal history during interviews, and focus on how you’ve moved forward, taken responsibility, and learned from your mistakes.
Adding it All Up
If you’re facing criminal charges, it’s important that you be as proactive with your defense as possible. Waiting too long to hire a lawyer – or not hiring one at all – could threaten your current and future careers. Be smart and take action sooner rather than later!
